A boy and an epic battle of head vs. heart vs wallet.

@Classic_Vinyl_Only

3 жыл бұрын

Can be worse than the lambo purchase surely 😂

@salvofarnia8046

3 жыл бұрын

Had same car for 8 years never missed a beat, 2.0 ltr twinspark engine. Replace with a black 159 ti 5 years in and all good

@lillexus5589

3 жыл бұрын

@@salvofarnia8046 some people owned Jaguars and Range Rovers without major problems. Being that lucky is not something you can count on beforehand.

@noeldakota7395

3 жыл бұрын

Dont know if you guys gives a shit but if you are stoned like me during the covid times then you can watch all the new movies and series on InstaFlixxer. I've been binge watching with my gf lately xD

@kelvinameer8678

3 жыл бұрын

@Noel Dakota yup, I've been watching on InstaFlixxer for since november myself :)

The sound of the V6 rumbling around while you're just driving around slowly is enough of an excuse to buy one for me lol

I am going to miss cars like this. They feel almost like living beings, whereas electric cars feel like appliances. Very fast and totally potent daily drivers, but appliances nonetheless.

@mudskipper0075

3 жыл бұрын

Me too ,when everything is electric surely the cars won’t have any identity they will all pretty much use the same motor ,I know there is a lot of sharing at the moment but with engines and components but it’ll be like buying a washing machine....

@klemenkekec7034

3 жыл бұрын

but you still cannot go around the fact that they'll be all the same because they are basically perfect. you have all the power all the time, perfect control over it, 1 moving part, 10x the efficiency and in 10 years time probably 10% of the maintenance cost, low center of gravity, easily achievable 50/50 weight distribution, way more space, silence, no vibration, no fumes, and on and on and on. basically all the things cars were trying to achieve for 130 years and now we are there, we do not like it. its weird. BUT! I don't think the electric powertrain is the problem here. I'd like to see a RWD 300 hp low weight electric car with no ESP, ABS, BAS and all that nonsense, put a hydraulic power steering in it and aggressive suspension. trust me, that would feel like a living thing to every petrolhead

@pannonianbrute

3 жыл бұрын

That’s what every Alfa 75 owner said when the 155 came out, and the 75 itself was like an appliance next to an early GTV or Sprint. In reality, every car has gone softer ever since you no longer need to risk a broken arm when starting the engine. I strongly feel though that parallel to mainstream consumer car development, as long as there is demand, there will always be a supply of analog driver’s cars for us nutters. The rules of capitalism would imply that, at least.

@peterorigenes4358

3 жыл бұрын

As an Alfa person in the US wish I had the option of getting one of these. The 159 estate is gorgeous but would not want the GM-derived engine in that car. 164 just too old but a huge boot. FWD would not bother me for a daily if I had a Ferrari and Lamborghini in the drive. I daily a Stelvio 2.0, wonderful, with a 4c and classic gtv6 even better. Too bad no Guilia wagon. Used Stelvios in the US are an incredible bargain.

@klemenkekec7034

3 жыл бұрын

@Bercilak de hautdesert not after but IN ten years. now new electric cars still have its "baby problems" as it is a new tech, but once things are sorted out and mainstream there should be very little problems. when tesla made model s in 2012 they were experimenting with it, they had no experience with batteries but those cars are mostly still going strong. and as time goes by batteries will get better. and for that £7000...you get that back very fast if you take into account how cheap a mile is compared to a petrol car and you have no maintenance on drivetrain. please do not get me wrong. I am a petrolhead, I enjoy a good petrol engine but if you look at facts, EVs are far better in pretty much every way, a few years must pass so that we get the infrastructure and more cars to choose from.

Had two 2.5 v6 156 , one with more than 250,000 kms on the odo, one of the best cars I have driven. Busso ftw

Beautiful timeless styling. This wagon is probably it's finest form too.

@salvofarnia8046

3 жыл бұрын

Had my red sportwagon for 8 years and still miss it today. Got a 159 ti had for 5 years but the 156 was more fun

What a hot looking estate wagon, it’s looks will last forever.

@salvofarnia8046

3 жыл бұрын

Sold mine at 14 years old, no rust on body or underside.

@salvofarnia8046

3 жыл бұрын

And that 2.0 ltr twinspart vvt was a gem

@gunnargeroy8406

3 жыл бұрын

Too bad the rest of it won’t

@rudfil

3 жыл бұрын

@@gunnargeroy8406 it will if you take care of it...: )

I ran five Alfa's over 20 years and had one breakdown. The last was a 156 Sportwagon 2.4 jtd which we drove over 130,000 miles. It was brilliant in every way..and 50mpg. It didn't cost that much to maintain. Bad Alfas are usually the badly maintained ones.

@emilz85

10 ай бұрын

Just like with most brands. Most of the people spreading horror stories about Alfas are people who have never owned one. Bought my first Alfa, 159 TI 2.4, half a year ago, and I love it. Yes, it is not as though out or practical as a VW or Volvo, but puts a smile on my face every time I see it again.

@MG-ce3dx

7 ай бұрын

Lol statistics say otherwise.. I work in a service in UK . Japanese petrol cars ,come there just for regular service ,Alfa's come there with the most pathetic, embarrassing and stupid problems you'll ever see on a car 😂😂

@emilz85

7 ай бұрын

@@MG-ce3dx not all Alfas are the same, perhaps older ones have more issues than newer models, t will be a year in January since I have my 159, and nothing embarrassing apart from regular old car problems. Anyhow, you can't measure emotions in an excel spreadsheet - I'd rather own a car that's a joy to drive and to look at.

@user-jm4ij6qd7w

5 ай бұрын

@@MG-ce3dx Please be more specific. What are these embarrassing, pathetic problems?

@user-jm4ij6qd7w

3 ай бұрын

@MG-ce3dx What service is that then? And what issues on a car can be embarrassing? They either work fine or they have issues. All makes have issues. I've had 9 Alfas since 1999 and can HONESTLY say zero embarrassing issues. Worst thing to happen was a faulty ignition barrel that required a new steering column under warranty. BUT I looked after them and didn't cheap out by taking them to mechanics who know nothing about them.

I'd almost forgotten just how wonderful the Alfa 6 pot engine was back in the day. So characterful

Absolutely love the 156 GTA, prices are hiking up all the time for a clean one. If you're after an estate I suggest a Volvo 850R 👍

@conorhughes4910

3 жыл бұрын

Should have read your comment before posting mine. Good shout.

@aaronmastrogiacomo6078

3 жыл бұрын

If not a 156 GTA, the 850R would be my second choice.

@girtsberzins2970

3 жыл бұрын

Volvo 960/V90 Estate 3,0 would be better choice, RWD and LSD aviable... Bigest boot in class.

@JD-eo7dr

3 жыл бұрын

@@girtsberzins2970 you never see them big Volvo's in the UK quite a few stretch limo ones

@Rhowhat

3 жыл бұрын

I think some decent 850R's are going over from Japan pretty regularly.

My Italian friend still has his red 156 GTA which his dad owned from new. 50k or so, and absolutely immaculate. It must be the best one left. Literally picture perfect.

@dylanwakley2553

Жыл бұрын

One recently sold with some 12k miles, there will always be a nicer one

Imagine collecting one of these brand new back in the day !

@user-jm4ij6qd7w

3 ай бұрын

I did! Massive smile on my face for weeks. Felt like a really special car. Kept it for 13 years 😊

Love the 156 Gta. I regret selling mine. I have have had my 147 Gta for 12 years now and I still think the 156 Gta drives and feels better.

I would take the risk. It is almost impossible to find a decent GTA nowadays.

@user-jm4ij6qd7w

5 ай бұрын

No, it's easy to find a decent one, but you have to PAY for it. Most people think Alfas are cheap sheds ... the crap ones are cheap, the good ones are expensive!

@user-jm4ij6qd7w

3 ай бұрын

Very true.

In Busso we trust!

@salvofarnia8046

3 жыл бұрын

Your loss

@DjDolHaus86

3 жыл бұрын

I have as much trust in a Busso as I do in Boris

@johnphaceas7434

3 жыл бұрын

@@DjDolHaus86 And i bet you have never owned one. I've had two, my current one is 22yo and has over 180,000km - I've owned it five years, and it has never left me stranded.

Alfas are all about passion. I've had four. The most unreliable car I ever had was also one of my favorites. An 85 GTV6. I also ran a 71 Spider for 10 years with no real problems and did 150k miles in a 75ts with few issues. I'd buy that GTA.

@bicyclist2

3 жыл бұрын

The GTV6 and 75 (Milano in the US) are my favorite Alfa's.

@ckm-mkc

3 жыл бұрын

I had a GTV6 for a while, it was pretty reliable, although you did have to poke the fuse box every once & while. Of course, I don't remember getting everything working. AC never worked, for example. Not particularly fast, but the sound was amazing. Would love to find a nice 75, probably never will. Had a 155 for a while, great car, very fun to drive.

@LOTPOR0402

3 жыл бұрын

Rubbish the modern ones are reliable ,and old no worse than anything else

My man Jay saying that a 2003 Alfa is old while I'm here having a 2003 Alfa and being happy its the newest car I've ever owned. of course the fact that i despise everything made after 00 doesn't help my case. superb video as always

Any V6 156 is simply better than the 159 - lighter, more agile, better looking, and of course it has a proper Alfa Busso engine.

I bought a 156 Sportwagon, 2 litre twin spark as a stop-gap. I needed a wagon and was awaiting the imminent arrival of a Volvo 850 T5. I kept that car for 2 years! It was, quite simply, magnificent! It loved to tev, really rev: start it up, let it warm a bit; then depress the clutch...into 1st and floor it until the valves came out and danced a tango on the bonnet, then 2nd, and so on - until some grandpa in a Jag got in the way. Drop a cog, hit those Fiamme horns, and leave him in the dust! It's absolutely true when they say: "You can't be a petrolhead until you've loved an Alfa!"

Alfa content + getting decent results from my uni essay today = a fantastic day. Thanks for all the hard work James. P.S. WRX WAGON ALL D WAY

I had no idea how much I wanted one of these until I watched this!

Whenever Jay is complaining, the next cut is showing the exhaust note. Is it a coincidence? :D:D:D

Had a couple of 159s. I have been waiting for a 159 TBI Ti Station wagon to pop up on the market. But they are beyond rare here in Australia. Great daily cars that look amazing inside and out.

@downesy68

3 жыл бұрын

I have a 159 ti Sportwagon with the 2.4 diesel and its brilliant. That would be a good option for him. I get my Busso fix from my GT V6 😊

@ForgetfulFoot

3 жыл бұрын

@@downesy68 Agreed. I havnt had the diesel myself, but I have heard they are a great allrounder. I had a 2.2 JTS Selespeed sedan and then a manual 1750 TBI TI Sedan. Both great cars. But I didn't have the selespeed long enough for something to go wrong luckily. The 1750 TBI TI Sedan was perfect and I wish I kept it.

@brianbradford3363

Жыл бұрын

My 159 TBI Sportswagon was listed for sale on Carsales for 6 months and not many people gave me an offer. Are you still looking? Throw me an offer as I will certainly let it go for the right price. You won't find them come up for sale because there is only 2 in Australia and I know the other guy in Sydney won't sell. He also has a Maserati MC20, and a Brera amongst other things.

@ForgetfulFoot

Жыл бұрын

@Brian Bradford Ah yeah. I remember seeing it for sale in August last year. Black, 153000kms with lots of modifications. Priced at $32,500. I sold my black 2011 sedan 159 tbi ti manual. Stock in immaculate condition with only 30,000kms with timing belt service + tyres just done for $20000. Yes yours is the unicorn 159. But honestly. Modifications are cool, but they kinda don't help to sell the car, probably turn the average 159 buyer off more than anything. Fairly high mileage too. But the price stopped me from contacting you. I know there are only a couple TBI wagons. But the max I would probably want to pay for it would be around $15000. And I am a die-hard 159 fan. Edit: I am interested though. I'm just waiting for my 987.2 Manual Cayman to sell on Carsales first before I commit to another car.

@brianbradford3363

Жыл бұрын

@@ForgetfulFoot The 987.2 is a good car. Good luck with your sale. That's it. I lowered the price further to 29,9 and there was a bit more interest. I agree regarding the modifications. Sadly the TBI has particular issues that need to be addressed to make it a reliable car, and my car suffered these maintenance issues shortly after my purchase, so the modifications were done in effect to address its previous flaws and fix and improve them. 15-20k seems to be the current pricing for examples which haven't had these issues addressed. Knowing what I know now after my experience, I wouldn't be comfortable buying a TBI without a list of certain things addressed. As I've already sunk the time, frustration and cost to do all of this, I'll hold on to it longer until I'm ready to sell at the lower price which buyers want to pay. The car may have done considerable km but it has been refreshed to near new, and at 15k, I might as well keep it and enjoy the efforts I've put into it. It's now at over 161,000 kilometres and covered multiple interstate trips under my ownership! 🙂 I've never understood why people see mileage and shy away. I feel it's much more about how he car has been looked after and maintained.

Will have to watch this in a bit. I owned a saloon between 08-12 and it's still my favourite car I've ever owned. I loved it. Still miss it 9 years later 😢

"But for that money I could have one of these..." Oh man! How many of your subs have said that to themselves? Terrific video, really can't wait to see what you plump for!

First video in a while I jumped to the end after 15 minutes. Felt you were waffling on a bit. Just giving feedback and keep up the good work. Cars to consider - Range Rover Sport, BMW 540i, E63 AMG, perhaps the fast Jag estate (Sportback?). Maybe an older Porsche Cayenne?

Hey, i just found your channel while I was searching for some early 00's Mercs videos and I love it. Car taste-wise we share a lot of common things 😊. Subscribed.

I love these, especially in sportswagon form!

I loved my GTA Sportwagon - sounded fantastic with upgraded intake.

2nd Podium position! Bellissma Busso!! Nice shade of red anyway James..

Forget the 159. Even the 3.2. It won't get a pass because it has a GM (Holden) engine, not a Busso.

@H5TLR

Жыл бұрын

the 2.2 JTS is a GM unit too

This video brings back memories. I had one of these as a company car. I loved it, however as an estate car, it was no load carier, the rear suspension bushes needed replacing regularly. I also owned a Alfa 75 V6 with the same engine ..... much more fun. Another 👍🏻s up from me.

I love the Alfa content. We didn't get any of these in the US or any Alfa for that matter for decades. The only Alfa's we see here in the US is the Gulia and the Stelvio SUV. I hope to get the chance to drive an Alfa some day. Thank you.

I keep thinking about a 159 Ti wagon. Glorious bit of design. There's something about an alfa. You know its going to be a disaster, but you just have to have it anyway.

@leostreat3573

3 жыл бұрын

Do it 😉 . Obsessed with my 11 plate wagon .

@Frenchmanik

3 жыл бұрын

I bought one 2 months ago, just noticed last weekend the coolant level is dropping 🤦

@leostreat3573

3 жыл бұрын

@@Frenchmanik oh dear , yep you have to keep a close eye on everything but a beautiful car to drive and look at .

@ItsDanLatham

3 жыл бұрын

@@leostreat3573 Thing is I have a saab 9-3 convertible (which I dont use) with the same diesel as the wagon. I know you should really do it properly and buy a v6 but I just know it will go bang within 2 weeks knowing my luck.

I rented one of these back in 2003 in Calais and drove around Normandy and Paris in this with four passengers. A little tight, but it was a delight to drive.

I accidentally bought a 159 Sportswagon recently (long story) and to my surprise it's been awesome!

@tylerbaker7761

3 жыл бұрын

I love mine too. Definitely holding up the Alfa stereotype of unreliability but I still love it every time I get in, which engine did you go for?

@CathodeRayNipplez

3 жыл бұрын

@@tylerbaker7761 Well I didn't exactly 'go for' anything. This one has the 1.9D, has 250,000km and is just fine. Not a weapon but has enough grunt to get around road trains here in country Oz. Not a single squeak or rattle and absolutely everything still works - sooooo not living up to the Alfa tradition. I'm really impressed with it.

Active cruise is a gamechanger for long distance cars - recently did an 850 mile day, and not having to continually adjust distance to car in front definitely made it more bearable. Hard part is finding a manual car with that feature - in the US, top spec Golf R and GTIs have it, also Civic Si and F30 3-series (tho rare). Not sure if any of these are interesting enough for the channel tho. Probably more options in the UK.

Thank you James for 156 GTA review, much awaited one. I own a 2L Twin spark manual, really like the engine sound and overall driving feel but reliability is a weak point. Anyways, possible upgrade should be a 2.5 v6 and according to my mechanic, its a more sensible choice than a GTA. Suggestions for wagons, yes Subaru's and SAAB 9-3s?

I had a 156 Twin Spark 2.0 Selespeed as a daily for 100,000 miles. Then the actuator went-had to go. Beautiful to look at, cheap interior and a nice size. Hope you find something really nice James!

Lovely GTA and I have such a soft spot for the Busso, but a Spec-B Legacy Estate would be a joy. Think of it like a 911 Carrera 4 backwards. You can get single DIN Android Auto head units as well as double DIN units.

May I suggest a E500 W211 Wagon with M273 power unit. A perfect, reliable daily driver with reasonably good performance, plenty of space and one of the best looking German estates ever, IMHO.

@user-or3gt6xd6z

3 жыл бұрын

That is also what I would suggest. Just a brilliant car. A luxurious interior, great engine. I would also say the facelift model is preferable because it has less electrical issues.

@user-or3gt6xd6z

3 жыл бұрын

Or maybe a W212, but in my opinion it is not as good as the W211

I no longer watch car reviews but your reviews made me missed my Alfas. Used to own one 156JTS and GT JTS.

Fantastic video, I love hearing you chat cars as you really share alot of my opinions. I still think you should Go with the lexus ls 600h

I really fell I love with this gen of Alfa styling playing Forza but never knew it came in an estate! Super bonus! Actually looks much better than the hatch. Always more of a fan of 4 doors vs 2. Makes life SO much easier.

You are awesome brother! I like the way when you describe the car you always say that is my opinion yours might be different. What do you think? You never try to force feed your info. Keep up the great work.

Lots of these at auto Italia Raby Castke last year and were lovely. And haircut lol👍😂

I really miss my old 2003 156 3.2 GTA Sportwagon - amazing car - this review doesn't do it justice. Owning is to appreciate.

I saw a real Alfa Romeo GTA on a dealer's lot back in the late 1960s, it was priced around $4,000. I really wanted it but at the time the price was what I made in a year so I bought a 101 series Alfa Sprint for $1,500, a decent first car I think. It taught me a few things about rust.... We were told to not lean on the GTA, it would dent the aluminum body.

Lovely! Just lovely!

Man do I miss this car. Handling, sitting position… I had chipped the 1,9 jtd. Best car I've had You only had to include the music from the chassis 🤣😎

I had one of these back in the day, in this colour red too. Gorgeous looks that attracted comments from everywhere. A thoroughly enjoyable drive but I just couldn’t put up with the reliability issues... I still have the rev counter somewhere that I used to carry in the boot as they were prone to failure and would leave you stranded for some reason...glad I had one...but also just as glad I moved on

I love the looks of the 156! The 159 TBi is a great car too and more reliable if that's what you're after, but i think it only came in FWD.

@salvofarnia8046

3 жыл бұрын

Both as reliable as the german crop i know because ive had them all but 156 is more fun than the 159.

Well done on your sub count

@17:30 YOU ARE SO RIGHT! I was out to mail a package and came home with a Lotus once, and never did mail out that package...

Perfect type of video for me. Thank you.

I’m so happy to have found all this Alfa content as I’m hunting for a cheap Alfa future classic. I’ve learned so much, thank you.

i'd love to see it again, but my dad used to have 159 3.2 q4 sportswagon in silver with horseshoe wheels and red leather int. nice car.

It's a work of Art

I'm in the same conundrum. Off to watch Harry talk about the Golf R and Yaris.

I’ve owned my 156 GTA for six years now. It is a car you can really bond with and as there are a lot of quality aftermarket parts you can tune it very much to your liking. However, it is indeed a very expensive car to run and maintain properly. Your point about space is also true, you cannot compare it to real ‘estate’ cars, it’s more on par with a Golf.

Absolutely loving the content. Just to throw something into the mix here..... Would you consider a Classic? If you are prepared to go for a rare, albeit 3 door, estate then Reliant Scimitar might be worth a look. I've seen several advertised from about £5000..... just a thought 🤔

Have you ever reviewed a Skoda Octavia vRS? If not I'd like to see that at some point, I've heard good things

Mate had an A6 4.2 v8 fsi Dream of a car 130 mph all day long . 2 ft of snow no problem. Proper good tool . Suit you a treat !!

“I know I should buy a boring diesel, then I go: ‘Oh look, they do a 5 litre V8!’” That’s why I love this channel. Good on ya James.

I think a r36 Passat would definitely be an interesting choice as there's not much content about them on KZread.

@bigwillyk4012

3 жыл бұрын

Agreed, spacious and sounds mint

@mudskipper0075

3 жыл бұрын

@@bigwillyk4012 if you have to ask why a Passat would be dull your on the wrong channel...👍

@bigwillyk4012

3 жыл бұрын

@@johnennis4586 maybe if you don’t like someone’s suggestion to James you just don’t write your negative bs in comments.

@rezaq1

3 жыл бұрын

My brother bought one of those about 5 years ago. I thought it was epic, but he didn’t like it and sold it on within a few months.

@mawaboutcars671

3 жыл бұрын

@@bigwillyk4012 Further agreed. Even better, I don’t think they’re going to lose any money, provided they’re treated right. Very much a Q-car. I always loved that generation of VW “R” cars (R32, R36, R50).

On your budget, I’d go for a V70 T5 R preferably a dark colour with the ‘David Dickinson’ seats. Sounds good, dependable, good fun, 4wd for winter, very comfortable, economy ..... not terrible. I’ve seen a lot fitted with aftermarket stereos so it’s probably possible to get the setup you want.

Thanks James! SWB Jaguar XJ for me (hoping you can sort the phone for it!);- 1) Enough room (?), good interior, newer cars in budget, V6 or V8 versions, diesel or petrol, sun roof, good for distance or odd blat excitement, 5 doors, possibly ok for mpg, rwd. 2)You are prepared for niggles/issues/gremlins with any car. 3) You've enjoyed your other Jaguar reviews, & your inner 'Terry Thomas' is waiting to get out...... 4) AM Rapide's still a bit over budget...

Lovely video, with a lovely car! How about taking a look at the Honda Accord Type S (2008-2015) and the Mazda 6 MPS? Both are oddball cars, but I believe them both to be rather exciting, granted not with the soundtrack of a Busso V6, or any other 6-cylinder for that matter.

I had one. Saloon. Loved the sound so much. Funny you mentioned the steering lock as that was something I always refer to. 3 point turns are more like 5 point turns lol. I always felt mine was underpowered and coming out of an E36 M3 Evo into one at the time , The M3 had it in its pocket. Then a valve went in it and I bought a second hand valve and had an Alfa specialist fit it and that cost £1400. I sold it shortly after . Was fun while I had it though but mostly for the sound. Personally I’d avoid it .

Awesome. Thx for sharing. Any more details on what was done to the gearbox?

Would love to see you get your hands on a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo Wagon 👌

I suggest going to a Manheim or BCA auction or two with a budget in mind knowing you want an estate with fsh. Your budget will buy a car with some manufacturer's warranty left. Film some of it for your channel. I've done it more than once and have been delighted at how modern you can go for so little money. You may have to wait for a few weeks because it seems it's currently a sellers' market.

Alpina B3 touring. Next

@jamiekirkpatrick96

3 жыл бұрын

Alpina anything lol

This shows how fat cars have gotten during the last 20 years, this is just 2cm longer and 6cm narrower than a current Mercedes A hatchback.

@OsellaSquadraCorse

3 жыл бұрын

Just compare a 2009 Vauxhall Astra 'J' to a 1978 Range Rover.... Astra, L 4.41m, W 1.81m, Range Rover L 4.45m, W 1.78M. A Volvo 850 estate is just 30cm longer - but it's also narrower (by cm) and it's a "big Volvo estate" just 30cm longer than a 'small family hatchback': which had the same footprint as a Range Rover. The weight of a Golf is 1.5 tonnes - same as an 850 estate. We need to start charging vehicle tax by emissions and weight.

@bensmithkent22

3 жыл бұрын

I agree on the 850 they look strangely tiny on the rare occasion i spot one and follow it.

JayM. Shame one couldn't find the last of the Vauxhall Monaro sportwagons ? Final year of assembly Downunder was 2015 and this would tick all boxes ! V.

IT's such a nice ride. I enjoy every day with it as my companion

I drive my 156 gta sw q2 daily for years. Now at 370000 km. Judging by this "review" i should have been bancrupted couple of times, ended up married to a mechanic and on some antidepresants..but no. Car is still a pleasure to drive, even with a baby seat in the back. Just don't expect it to be an average minivan, and deal with well known issues on time (which are not mentioned here). Well, at least that is my experiance with these cars. Cheers.

I wish I could get my hands on one of those wagons here in the states. Last year I decided to switch cars. I had a 2011 Buick Regal (your Vauxhall Insignia) for about 6 years and was going to get either an off lease MB C300 or BMW 3 but when I saw the Giulia was in the price range I couldn't say no. It has its quirks, the fit and finish is not up to the Germans but the looks and the way it drives makes all that disappear.

Great car this GTA! I have owned a 2.0 TS and a 1.9 Jtd, loved both! Maybe you could get your hands on a manual Lancia Kappa SW 2.0 20v turbo!

Daily hmm, could work cause you have multiple cars. Sounds wonderful, as good as your more exotic vehicles

525ix E34 touring, good size on the chassie, four wheel drive, extremely roomy inside and can load crazy amount of things in it, gaining value and a good quality proper driving machine that has a great ride and timeless nice interior with no screens ;D

it looks so beautiful..

Sounds like we are looking for the same kind of car. When you find the right one, I may have to follow suit.

remember your v70/xc70 t5/d5 review? id go with one of them... a petrolhead would drive a car like this, because you dont have to worry about it at all, and you can have another car for any other occasion... or somewhere close to this

There's a manual B8 S4 Avant going up for sale soon. Check the Pistonheads thread on them. Edit: will be at Fontain an Audi specialist.

@Rhowhat

3 жыл бұрын

It's up now and bang in the middle of your budget. Manual with sport differential. Rare car!

I love the 156, whether it is the sedan or the wagon!!

am using an alfa 156 as my daily right now, electronics in the car can be a real pain but still love it

should take a look at the 159 sportwagon Ti 2.4 Q4 ....super rare ,sound lovely for a diesel, goes reasonably well

Mmmmm. Alfa wagon. A “*true*” car enthusiast model!

My 2 Cents... Opt 1 - Volvo V70R awd 2003 onwards Opt 2 - Vauxhall Omega estate, fit 2.4 Duratec with ITB’s, LSD, manual, full refresh, colour of choice, boom! Anyway, happy deliberating sir!! 🙂

My opinion: cracking car!

Fun fact: the 156 berlina has more boot space than the Sportswagon 🤫

@rv9990

3 жыл бұрын

Some classic Alfa logic. Nice.

@lillexus5589

3 жыл бұрын

@@rv9990 it made sense at the Alfa Romeo headquarters, albeit after a few bottles of Italian wine as usual.

@rv9990

3 жыл бұрын

@@lillexus5589 ofcourse. Isn’t that how all Alfa’s are made 🥴

@rollotomassi4815

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah that's actually true. When I owned a 156 SW, I used my Peugeot 106 to haul big stuff around. Bootspace is a joke, but who cares when it looks and drives like this. Best car I've ever owned. Best looking Wagon ever made too, in my humble opinion.

@eakl

3 жыл бұрын

I once fitted a chevy 502 (disassembeled longblock) i the boot of a 156 sedan (berlina?). It was possible but the rear suspension wasnt happy.

Owned a 156 GTA for 12 years now, used it daily for many of those years, is now going back into service as a daily runner and its an awesome car. They do get expensive in preventative maintenance but in the time i have owned it has broken down twice. Our Mini Cooper S however well it broke often and has cost more to keep running than the Alfa hahahaha We ended up also getting a 535d Tourer for ferrying the kids around which is also used daily and its great, but the GTA is far more fun to enjoy and drive :)

If you do get one, go for a full Wizrd exhaust. You won't regret it. Sounds even better.

There is one Alfa 159 3.2 for sale Autotrader now. £8,995. 100k on the clock 🤔

Walter Da Silva’s immortal design... a design masterpiece still actual nowadays: Mercedes Shooting Brake, Porsche Taycan Wagon and Panamera are few modern examples of sportwagons

@AZ-vg6li

3 жыл бұрын

The GTA is not designed during Walter De Silva time,but by his successor.So was the 147 GTA.

@BigUriel

3 жыл бұрын

@@AZ-vg6li No he designed the original 156 and the GTA, and I think he did the 147 as well. The next guy did the facelifts (which the GTA never got).

@AZ-vg6li

3 жыл бұрын

@@BigUriel no..GTA 156 was designed in 1999-2000 and GTA 147 few months later.Walter had left Alfa late 1998.Also the interior,that was lots of work ,very unique seats,were done around that time together with the exterior.Also the iconic rims were part of the same design package.Trust me...I was there.

@BigUriel

3 жыл бұрын

@@AZ-vg6li Literally every source I can find lists the 156 as Walter's design. He left Alfa in 99, *after* designing the 156. The 156 was actually presented to the public in 1997. Since you contradict every piece of information I can find on the topic, sorry no I don't trust you.

@AZ-vg6li

3 жыл бұрын

@@BigUriel if you read my note...it is referring clearly to the GTA versions...design on those started and finished well after W.DS departure...which was not in 99,but Sept-Oct 98.The..”next guy” did not do the 147 facelift,it was done under the...second next guy around 2002-03...mostly at Italdesign,so was the last restyling of the 156.You see,when it comes to design,what you find on line or magazines is many times not very precise...that’s ok.

0:49 Btw, the driver's side windshield (screen) wiper, is installed upside down. The spoiler is supposed to be on the bottom, not on the top side.

You could look at a Passat R36, a very competent car with around 300bhp and 4wd security plus its built from solid iron. Or if really brave the 4lt W8 would have proper status and is definitely rare enough that you would be known for owning one for sure.

Finally have a haircut and look good! Praise be!! :D

excellent point about digital cars with drive by wire and electric handbrakes......a manual handbrake never says NO

Have seen quite a few videos and thought I was subscribed, yet I wasn’t. I am now. Thank you for these videos! Also, why not an E39 Alpina B10 or D10? They should be within £20k, no?